Reform of the judiciary in the target countries is one of the most delicate political criteria that must be complied with by these countries to become a member of the European Union.

The overall objective of the reform is to ensure an equal and fair access to justice for citizens and legal persons. Enhancing the efficiency in the administration of justice is crucial in the strengthening of Rule of Law in the target countries. The development of an efficient and impartial system of judiciary is essential in increasing the access to justice, enhancing legal certainty and predictability for the citizens and legal persons and accordingly in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

Also, an increased use of various methods of alternative dispute resolution enhances the access to justice. The entire population, with no discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, gender, religion, race or income must have equal access to justice. All citizens and legal persons have the right that their disputes and differences are resolved efficiently and relatively inexpensively. The European Commission has repeatedly emphasised the need to enhance the access to justice in the target countries. In view of the importance that EU legislators attach to increasing the access to justice and to proper functioning of the internal market, it is crucial that the legal reforms are carried out in the target countries so as to improve the efficiency in the administration of justice. Strengthening the efficiency of the judiciary and an increased use of out-of-court methods in resolving disputes are essential in improving the access to justice.

Training programme

The Access to Justice training programme provides participants with insights into various aspects that compound and strengthen access to justice. Thus, it first discusses general aspects of The Rule of Law such as the organisation and independence of the judiciary in the Netherlands, as well as fundamental rights according to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (including the right to effective legal remedies, the right to a fair trial and due process, the right to private and family life, freedom of religious expression, protection of personal data). Thereafter, the programme focuses on strengthening the efficiency in administration of justice in criminal and administrative matters, as well as the efficiency of dispute resolution in the area of civil and commercial law. Thereby, the disputes with an international element are discussed in a greater detail.

Respective legislation in the target countries is addressed and compared with EU legal instruments and internationally accepted standards.

Target group

Senior civil servants, judges, public prosecutors and officers employed by the national Ministries of Justice/(semi) governmental organisations dealing with the organisation of judiciary and permanent education of judges in their respective countries.